New Chairman and Vice-Chairman elected to Braintree District Council

A photo of Councillor Diana Garrod with her Chairman chain - Image

Braintree District Council has announced Councillor Diana Garrod as its new Chairman for 2023-24 at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) last week (Thursday, 25 May 2023).

Cllr Garrod, who is the ward member for Bumpstead, has been a councillor since 2016.

As Chairman of the Council, Cllr Garrod will represent the council at official events over the next 12 months, meeting residents, community groups and businesses and promoting the aims and values of the Council.

Her chosen charity to raise funds for during her civic year will be The Salvation Army, a charity that began in 1865 and continues to offer practical help for people without discrimination, standing up for those who are vulnerable and fighting against injustice. They have a donation centre in Braintree.

Cllr Lyn Walters has been elected as Vice-Chairman.

Cllr Diana Garrod, Chairman of Braintree District Council, said: “I am honoured to have been selected as Chairman for Braintree District Council. With the fallout from the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, more and more people are facing challenges every day, and I hope I can use my civic year to support people’s health and well-being in every aspect. It’s a role with many responsibilities but I’m looking forward to representing the Braintree district and working to support the whole community and local businesses, as well as advocating and highlighting the very best of the district.”

Cllr Lyn Walters, Vice-Chairman of Braintree District Council, said: “It is a privilege to have been chosen to be Vice-Chairman of Braintree District Council for the coming year. I look forward to undertaking the civic representation of the district during the next twelve months and visiting as many local community organisations as I can.”

The outgoing Chairman of the Council, Andrew Hensman, attended 128 engagements in the local community. He also hosted three civic events and proceeds from the events enabled significant donations to be made to various foodbanks across the district.

Andrew Hensman said: “It has been a true privilege being Chairman of the Braintree district. I have been honoured to attend many engagements and meet members of the community who make the Braintree district such a fantastic place to live and work. I would like to extend my thanks to all these wonderful people for their continued dedication and hard work.”

Any organisations, community groups or businesses that would like to invite the Chairman to attend an event should visit www.braintree.gov.uk/invitethechairman.

Published: 1st June 2023